A photograph taken nearly two decades ago has gained a new meaning.
In 2007, a young Lionel Messi was pictured holding a baby during a UNICEF charity photoshoot in Barcelona. That baby was Lamine Yamal, who would later become one of football’s brightest young stars.
Now, Yamal has achieved football’s ultimate dream.
The teenager helped Spain defeat Argentina 1-0 after extra time to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as La Roja lifted the trophy for only the second time in their history.
Spain’s triumph marked a return to the top of world football, 16 years after their first World Cup victory in 2010.
From the opening whistle, Spain showed why they deserved to be champions.
They controlled possession, set the pace and forced Argentina into a defensive battle. Spain’s movement, passing and pressing constantly troubled the defending champions, who struggled to create clear chances.
However, Argentina refused to give up.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez produced crucial saves, while the Argentine defence fought tirelessly to keep the game level. Spain’s dominance could not break the deadlock after 90 minutes, sending the final into extra time.
The turning point arrived late in normal time when Enzo Fernández received a red card, leaving Argentina with ten players.
Spain immediately increased the pressure and in the 106th minute, Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal, breaking Argentina’s resistance and sending Spanish fans into celebration.
Argentina pushed for an equalizer, but Spain remained calm until the final whistle with their defensive discipline and control securing a famous victory over the reigning champions.
A New Chapter for Spanish Football
For Lamine Yamal, the night represents a remarkable moment in football history.
The boy once photographed with Lionel Messi has now become a World Cup winner after helping Spain overcome Messi’s Argentina.
But beyond the unforgettable story, Spain’s victory is a statement that announces the arrival of a new generation.
